MI5―the British domestic security service―has warned Members of Parliament and their staff that spies from China, Russia and Iran are targeting them to both collect information and influence British politics.
The agency said such interference threatens the UK’s security and sovereignty. Tactics include blackmail, undermining cybersecurity, building long-term relationships, and exploiting financial donations. The warning references past cases, including London lawyer Christine Lee, accused of facilitating political donations on behalf of China.
The new official guidance comes after a recent case against two men allegedly to have spied for Beijing collapsed, highlighting ongoing challenges in countering foreign interference.
Spying appears to have become more common recently, as highlighted by a case last month in which three Iranian nationals were accused of espionage in the UK.
